Blog #2

My experience using Microsoft Word as a student in K-12 was mainly just to write essays for my english classes or reports for science classes. Coming to FSU, I have used it a lot more. I write essays, fill out study guides, and complete other various assignments. For example, I copy and paste discussion board prompts into a new MS Word document, write my response, and then copy and paste my words into the forum. The only time I prefer another word processing software, such as Google Docs, is when I have a group assignment. Google Docs makes it much easier for each group member to do their part of the assignment simultaneously. 

The ISTE Standard for Educators that is most meaningful to me is 2.3 Citizen. This standard highlights the importance of contributing to an online presence, finding secure resources, and staying safe online. This is important for K-12 educators because in this day of age, there is a large number of people (both teachers and students) engaging online. This advancement of technology is not bad, but it is not all good. It is important to teach students how to find accurate, trustworthy information, protect their data, and browse safely. 

For today's youth, I agree with the general concept of "digital native." Most others that are my age have grown up with more advance technology that was once brand new to older people I may encounter or work with. I believe this concept is similar to learning one's native language. A language you are surrounded by from the day you are born. A language others can learn if they are willing and open to new things. Of course, learning a new language would probably take more time than learning new technology. Concept wise, though, I think of it the same. I have not seen much difference between myself and most of my teachers using technology, but it was not something I have ever paid much attention to. I would anticipate my future students to know about and use newer social media apps, adapt quicker to whatever changes in technology we may see, and hold different expectations for what technology and the digital world is meant to do. 

"digital Natives - digital Immigrants - wer's glaubt!" by Ralf Appelt is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Blog #1

    Hey everyone! I'm Rachel and I am a senior this year graduating in May. I have a major in Human Development and Family Science with a double minor in Education and Psychology. I'm from Clearwater, FL and love to hang out with friends, grab a coffee, and read. I am currently working at a preschool and kindergarten with plans on becoming an elementary school teacher post-graduation. 

    Most of my prior knowledge regarding the use of technology in an educational setting comes from all the years in my own educational career. My earliest memory of this would probably be in elementary school when I had to take Reading Counts quizzes on the classroom computer. Over the years, like most others, I have used desktops and laptops to create things such as PowerPoints, study guides, and essays. At my job, I use online spin-wheels to *fairly* pick a students name for tasks and find educational videos and songs to show on YouTube. 

    I have several personal learning networks and learning resources that I regularly use to support my learning needs and goals. Previous and current teachers and professors are people I frequently talk to for advice and feedback in addition to just chatting about our day and how our we are coming along on our goals. Friends and family keep me encouraged, motivated, and stress-free. FSU libraries, textbooks, canvas, and Quizlet allow me to study, stay organized, and submit my best work. Lastly, my phone lets me have mobile access for checking my emails and canvas calendar on the go while my laptop is used to complete assignments, projects, and papers using Microsoft apps, Canva, and Google Slides.